Hybrid Golf Game System Merging Live Broadcast with Virtual Play

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Solution Overview

Problem

The golf industry faces declining participation and viewership, particularly among younger generations, who prefer video games over traditional golf, necessitating a novel approach to revitalize interest in the sport.

Innovation Solution

A gaming system that allows contemporaneous viewing of a golf broadcast and virtual playing of the same golf course, featuring customizable virtual player profiles, simulated playing conditions, leaderboards, and integration with real PGA Tour events, enabling virtual players to compete alongside and against real players, with options for equipment selection and avatars.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional golf is played outside in real life, then authentic golf experience is obtained, but participation declines among younger generations who prefer video games

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to younger generation preferencesVSAvoidnumber of golfers and golf rounds played

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges virtual video game golf with real-life PGA Tour golf broadcasting into a single hybrid experience. Virtual players are digitally superimposed onto the live broadcast, allowing gamers to play along with real tournaments simultaneously. This combination appeals to younger generations who prefer video games while maintaining the authenticity of real golf events, thereby potentially increasing both engagement and participation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a digital intermediary layer that overlays virtual golf avatars and gameplay elements onto the real golf broadcast. This intermediary virtual layer acts as a bridge between traditional golf and video game culture, allowing players to interact with real tournament play through a digital interface that resembles video game mechanics, thus attracting younger audiences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If golf broadcasting is viewed passively on TV, then tournament coverage is obtained, but engagement and interactivity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing convenienceVSAvoidinteractivity and engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, passive TV viewing experience into a dynamic, interactive gameplay experience. Viewers can control virtual players, make strategic decisions, and actively participate in the tournament alongside real players. The system dynamically integrates user inputs with live broadcast events, allowing viewers to switch between watching real golf and playing virtual golf within the same broadcast flow, thereby significantly increasing engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional system that simultaneously provides traditional golf broadcasting, virtual golf gameplay, and hybrid interactive experiences. The same platform serves multiple functions: it broadcasts real tournaments, allows virtual play along with real events, provides statistical analysis, and enables social competition. This universality makes the system adaptable to various user preferences and increases overall engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If PGA Tour events are broadcast traditionally, then tournament coverage is provided, but viewership continues to decline

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewership numbersVSAvoidsystem complexity for integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates digital copies of real golf players and tournaments in virtual form. Virtual avatars replicate the movements, strategies, and performances of real players, allowing viewers to experience the same tournament twice - once as passive viewers and once as active players. This copying approach increases viewership by providing an additional layer of engagement without requiring separate events, thereby growing the audience for PGA Tour coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If virtual golf games are played independently from real tournaments, then gaming freedom is obtained, but connection to authentic golf experience is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegaming freedom and customizationVSAvoidauthenticity of golf experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows players to pre-customize their virtual avatars, equipment, and playing styles before the tournament begins, providing gaming freedom and personalization. However, once the tournament starts, the virtual players must compete under the same real-time conditions as the actual players - same course, same weather, same tournament rules. This preliminary customization followed by constrained real-time competition maintains both gaming freedom and authenticity to the real golf experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20190070508A1Online golf game contemperanous with live golf tournaments

Publication Date: 2019.03.07 COTTON KEVIN WALTER

AI summary

A gaming system for the contemporaneous viewing of a golf broadcast and the virtual playing of the same golf course including a player window adapted for the playing of virtual golf by a virtual player and a broadcast window adapted for the showing of golf being played by a non-virtual player. The player window and the broadcast window being adapted for the contemporaneous playing of the same golf course by the virtual player and the non-virtual player.